How to Play Heads Up: Simple Rules for Any Group
Heads up is charades turned upside down: the player who guesses cannot see the word, everyone else can. It takes thirty seconds to explain and works with two people or twelve.
What you need
A phone with a heads-up game (or a stack of paper cards), a timer, and at least two players. With more than four people, split into teams.
The rules, step by step
- Pick a deck, for example movies, animals or food.
- The guesser holds the phone or card on their forehead, screen facing the group, without looking at it.
- Everyone else gives clues: they can act, describe, or say what it is similar to, but never say the word itself.
- When the guesser gets it right, they tilt the phone up (or flip the card) and the next word appears. To pass, tilt down.
- When the timer ends, count the correct words. That is the round score.
- Pass the phone to the next player or team. After everyone has had a few turns, the highest score wins.
How long should a round be?
Sixty seconds is the classic length. Shorten it to 30 seconds for kids and large groups, and stretch it to 90 seconds for hard decks where nobody knows the words.
Rules worth agreeing on before you start
- Is spelling the word allowed? Most groups say no.
- Can clue-givers use sounds and gestures? Usually yes.
- What counts as saying the word? Any part of it or a rhyme-based clue is a foul.
- How many passes per round? Unlimited passes make the game faster, a limit makes it tenser.
Tips for a better game
- Start with an easy deck so everyone gets a few wins.
- Give clues in short bursts: one word at a time beats long sentences.
- Let the guesser's team decide when to pass; a stuck word wastes the round.
- Film a round. Seeing the forehead face and the shouting afterwards is half the fun.
Party Guess
Party Guess is a free party game for iPhone: forehead guessing, team battles and your own decks.
FAQ
How many people can play a heads-up game?
Two people can play, but it is best with 4 to 12. Split larger groups into teams that take turns.
Do you need a headband?
No. Hold the phone against your forehead with one hand, or lean it on a headband if you want your hands free.
What is the difference between heads up and charades?
In charades the actor knows the word and the team guesses. In heads up the guesser is the one who does not see the word, and the others can talk, describe or act.